National signing day marked the first day of the cyclical process resulting in the growth of college football programs. On Wednesday, members of the 2017 recruiting classes signed their national letters of intent and, legally, became college football student-athletes.

Wednesday provided the storylines of a typical national signing day; while some athletes ended their recruiting processes with last-minute decisions, others closed their respective chapters after being committed for weeks, even months. The end results were the same for college coaches nationwide: There was joy and celebration in some offices, disappointment in other offices.

With 2017's recruiting cycle wrapping up, here are the nation's top 25 classes, according to Bleacher Report. The class rankings are based on the player ratings stemming from Scout.com's ratings.

25. Texas Longhorns

Tom Herman's first recruiting cycle with the Longhorns wasn't what some wanted, but it was still good enough to land quality players. Quarterback Sam Ehlinger leads the offense, and wide receiver Damion Miller can be a big-play threat. The defense got a big boost with top-ranked junior college linebacker Gary Johnson, as well as 4-star defensive end Taquon Graham.

A former Georgia commit, Carter is expected to make an impact early, particularly with D'Onta Foreman declaring for the NFL draft. Carter has great top-end speed and is shifty with the ball in his hands. He is also strong enough to run through attempted tackles.

24. Virginia Tech Hokies

The Hokies completed their first full recruiting cycle under head coach Justin Fuente and scored big on the defensive side of the ball. Among the names to watch are linebackers Nathan Proctor and Dylan Rivers and defensive end Tyjuan Garbutt, three 4-star guys who will challenge for starter's minutes early in their careers.

The Hokies did everything they could to score Hunter's commitment. Now that they have the in-state recruit's national letter of intent, the Hokies are excited about the future of their secondary. Hunter can be an immediate playmaker at safety.

Although he isn't the biggest athlete at 5'9", 173 pounds, Williams makes it a priority to enter every down as the most competitive. He frustrates wide receivers with stingy, one-on-one defense, and he could be one of the top defenders in the SEC a lot sooner than expected.

Lenoir was once an Oregon decommit, but he rejoined the class on national signing day—a huge victory for Taggart and his coaching staff. He is a disruptive defensive back who possesses great feet and hips and also uses his hands well against wide receivers.

21. Nebraska Cornhuskers

Nebraska's class is intriguing, as it looks, on paper, to be one that could operate in a pass-happy spread attack. QB Tristan Gebbia leads the offense, and he'll have high school teammate wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson Jr. to throw to, along with wide receiver Jaevon McQuitty. Linebacker Avery Roberts could be a defensive catalyst.

Nebraska fans will be introduced to a player in Lindsey who is lightning-quick and a problem for defenders because of his ability to stop on a dime when running routes. He isn't the biggest receiver at 5'8", 165 pounds, but he has a knack for making game-changing plays.

Washington will get a good-looking, in-state product in Bryant, an athlete who is equally good blocking as he is catching passes. He uses his strength and body control in red-zone packages and to move the chains on passing downs.

19. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

If you value offensive linemen play, you've got to like what Notre Dame did with the 2017 class. Offensive tackle Josh Lugg is a reliable bookend, and versatile offensive lineman Robert Hainsey can play guard or tackle. The Irish also have interior linemen Darnell Ewell, Aaron Banks and Dillan Gibbons in the class.

At 6'5" and 240 pounds, Wright has excellent size as a blocking tight end. As good as he is blocking, Wright is also a reliable pass-catching option. His play should be able to help Notre Dame open its offense.

18. Florida Gators

Florida managed to close the final week of recruiting with a couple of solid players, including 4-star defensive tackle Elijah Conliffe and 4-star cornerback Brad Stewart. The Gators also flipped 4-star athlete C.J. Henderson, a one-time Miami pledge. Additionally, Florida welcomed 4-star wide receiver James Robinson to the class, despite him recently being cited for marijuana possession, per the Plain Dealer.

The Gators on national signing day scored a massive offensive lineman—6'4.5" and 341 pounds—who can play tackle but will be most suited as an interior lineman. He could play defense, if necessary, but he'll likely be most valuable as a guard.

17. Maryland Terrapins

Maryland coach D.J. Durkin has high expectations for a class that has its share of potential big-name players. WR Tahj Capehart is a big scoop for the Terrapins, and cornerback Deon Jones and safety Markquese Bell can be leaders for an improving secondary.

The combination of Richardson and McFarland can be a wonderful story for Maryland—and a major problem for Big Ten opponents. McFarland has the ability to hit a second gear in the open field, and he runs with solid vision and change of direction.

16. Miami Hurricanes

Miami head coach Mark Richt's first full recruiting cycle includes a group loaded with talent. Defensive end D.J. Johnson is a big-play athlete on the defensive line, and safety Trajan Bandy can be a stud in the secondary. Look for N'Kosi Perry and Cade Weldon to battle for playing time at QB, while offensive tackleNavaughn Donaldson will be called upon to be a brick wall.

A player who is more about action than words, Thomas is a speedy, slippery wide receiver who can be one of the best slot receivers in the country. Thomas, in open space in a one-on-one situation, arguably is as dangerous as any college football athlete.

15. UCLA Bruins

UCLA's defensive class is one to watch, as several athletes have the ability to compete for starting spots as freshmen. One player to keep an eye on is cornerback Darnay Holmes, an outstanding defender and competitor. Greg Rogers and Martin Andrus can make up a dynamic defensive tackle duo because of their tenacity and noses for the football.

Phillips has the size, speed and hunger to become the next great defender in the Pac-12. A beast at the defensive end spot, Phillips spent his senior season battling some of the nation's best tackles in elite camps and All-American games—and he won a lion's share of the reps.

Arguably one of the most consistent players among a talented offensive line class, Smith is someone who can see the field either at tackle or guard. Smith's athleticism works well with a competitive nature, and the Volunteers will look to turn him into an All-SEC player.

13. Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State coach James Franklin will have several impressive athletes to work with next season. Wide receiver K.J. Hamler is tough to defend one-on-one, but he and cornerbacks Tariq Castro-Fields and Donovan Johnson in practice will be their version of iron sharpening iron. Offensive guard C.J. Thorpe will be called upon to protect QB Sean Clifford in the pocket.

As good as Wade is, before anything else, he is a competitor. It's that competitive edge that's going to allow him to challenge for starter's minutes early in his college career. Penn State signed a ball hawk, someone who is ready to make a play every down.

12. Clemson Tigers

Fresh off winning a national championship, Clemson will look to replace QB Deshaun Watson. Hunter Johnson is a 4-star talent who could be the next great signal-caller for Dabo Swinney. Defensively, 4-star safety A.J. Terrell is a playmaker, and 4-star athlete Logan Rudolph could see time either at defensive end or offensive linebacker.

Athletically speaking, there is little to despise about Higgins. He may remind Clemson fans of Mike Williams because of his size, speed and athleticism. He is an excellent go-route receiver and can be called upon to win jump-ball situations in the red zone.

11. Stanford Cardinal

Stanford's class isn't large, but it's loaded. Along with landing two 5-star offensive tackles, the Cardinal got three dangerous offensive options in 5-star QB Davis Mills, 4-star tight end Colby Parkinson and 4-star athlete Connor Wedington. Paulson Adebo is a 4-star talent who can play anywhere in the secondary or wide receiver.

Imagine the possibilities for Stanford with Sarell at one tackle spot and fellow 5-star Walker Little at the other tackle spot. A true technician, Sarell has the football savvy and physical attributes (6'6", 300 lbs) to be the leader of a line that arguably could be the best in college football in a couple of years.

10. Texas A&M Aggies

The future looks bright for Texas A&M, as head coach Kevin Sumlin signed a talented group of players on both sides of the ball. Offensively, QB Kellen Mond and wide receiverJhamon Ausbon are two IMG Academy teammates from the state of Texas ready to shine. Another IMG product, 4-star linebackerSantino Marchiol is ready to compete for the defense.

How do you answer defensive questions at the linebacker spot? You sign a guy with 640 tackles for his high school career, including 245 as a senior, per MaxPreps. Hines can be an immediate contributor, as he has the size, power and speed to play inside or outside linebacker.

9. Auburn Tigers

With everything going on at Alabama, Auburn went through national signing day somewhat quietly. The Tigers signed signed 5-star JUCO QB Jarrett Stidham, and he is expected to immediately boost the offense. He'll have a chance to hone his skills against defenders like 4-star linebacker Tadarian Moultry and defensive end Markaviest Bryant.

At 6'6" and 310 pounds, Ashley has prototypical size for an offensive tackle. His length will be an asset, primarily in passing situations, and he plays with good pad level. Ashley will only improve competing against some of the SEC's best defenders.

Barnes can be a major contributor for that Oklahoma defense because of his nose for the football. He consistently puts himself in a position to make a play; credit that to his high football IQ. Barnes can make the big hit, or he can show his finesse and make a dazzling interception.

As someone with good ball skills and a knack for making plays, Stevens should be a catalyst for LSU's secondary. He's a natural athlete with excellent size for a safety at 6'2", 190 pounds, and he can be disruptive in both running and passing situations.

Peoples-Jones has all of the tools and intangibles to be one of the best receivers not only in the Big Ten but also in the entire country. He's someone who meshes size, athleticism and an ability to up his play in big-game situations. Peoples-Jones knows his expectations, and he's ready to fulfill them.

So much hype is around Najee Harris, but Akers could be the freshman running back we're all talking about next season. With the departure of Dalvin Cook, Akers will have every opportunity to show himself worthy as a starter—and become a household name in college football.

4. USC Trojans

Of all the schools nationally, USC may have had the biggest national signing day. The Trojans closed strong with Wednesday commitments from 5-star WR Joseph Lewis, 5-star offensive tackle Austin Jackson and 5-star defensive tackle Jay Tufele. Add in 4-star pledges from linebacker Levi Jones, tight end Josh Falo and athlete Greg Johnson, and it was a slam-dunk day for the Trojans.

USC's impressive signing-day showing will put a smile on the faces of all rooting for the Trojans. Carr is one of several studs to sign, and he could be a guy who adds a new dimension to an already-talented running back arsenal.

3. Georgia Bulldogs

Georgia did a solid job of signing a balanced class that included studs on both sides of the ball. On offense, 5-star QB Jake Fromm and 4-star RB D'Andre Swiftwill lead the offense, while 4-star offensive tackle Isaiah Wilson headlines a talented offensive line group. On defense, expectations are high for 4-star safety Richard LeCounte III.

Whether he lines up as a receiver or in the secondary, Gibbs is expected to deliver early and often. He's a big, strong athlete who can frustrate defensive backs as a receiver or wreak havoc as a safety with his coverage on wide receivers.

The first thing mentioned about Young is his ceiling. It's scary to think a 5-star athlete can get that much better, but Young could reach levels that would make him one of the most intimidating defenders in college football. He'll be a special project for the Ohio State coaching staff.

After overcoming non-football-related obstacles, Harris emerged as the nation's top-ranked prospect, according to Scout.com. Big, powerful, fast and elusive, Harris is expected to be the next great running back coached at Alabama by Nick Saban.